Sixteen-year-old John Anthony Viruete, who lived in both Wheeling and Chicago, Illinois, died on December 11, 2024. He was the youngest of four siblings and the only boy in the family. Family remembered him as affectionate and mischievous, with an infectious, goofy smile; they described him as caring, sentimental, a hard worker, and devoted to his niece and nephew.

Visitation was held December 18, 2024, at Kolssak Funeral Home in Wheeling, followed by a life celebration mass on December 19 at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Wheeling. He was the son of Juan A. Viruete and Martha M. Padilla and brother to Andrea Viruete, Martha Soto Padilla, Wendolyn Soto Padilla, and Melody Padilla. He is survived as an uncle by Sebastian Torres, Leilani Gorostieta, and the expected Amelia Brauneker.

There have been no reports identifying suspects or announcing arrests, and the circumstances of his death have not been detailed. If anyone knew John or has information about what happened, please come forward.